US EPA Releases Draft National Recycling Strategy

WASHINGTON (October 5, 2020) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft National Recycling Strategy for public input in preparation for America Recycles Week and ahead of the third annual Recycling Summit. The draft National Recycling Strategy identifies strategic objectives and actions needed to create a stronger, more resilient U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system.

“Over the last two years, we’ve heard from our partners about the challenges facing our nation’s recycling system, and in particular for municipal solid waste recycling” said EPA Administrator Wheeler. “Our strategy aims to move recycling in America forward by identifying actions that all of us – governments, non-profits, private industry, and the public – can take together.”

The draft National Recycling Strategy was developed as part of EPA’s continued leadership in addressing the challenges facing the U.S. recycling system and builds on EPA’s 2019 National Framework for Advancing the U.S. Recycling System. The strategy organizes high-level actions around three strategic objectives to improve the U.S. recycling system: 1) reduce contamination, 2) increase processing efficiency, and 3) improve markets.

EPA has shared the draft National Recycling Strategy for public comment through December 4, 2020, with the goal of finalizing it in early 2021.

To read the National Recycling Strategy and provide comments visit: https://www.epa.gov/americarecycles/national-recycling-strategy-and-framework-advancing-us-recycling-system